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Panic! At The Disco frontman Brendon Urie pledges $1 million to LGBT+ youth in America

Band's latest album 'Pray For The Wicked' just hit No.1 in the US

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Monday 02 July 2018 10:25 BST
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(Getty)

Panic! At The Disco frontman Brendon Urie has pledged $1m to help set up Gender & Sexuality/Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in schools across the US.

The singer partnered with GLSEN [the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) to help launch clubs for LGBT+ youth in American high schools.

Commenting on the new venture in a statement, Urie said: "For years my fans have inspired me with their determination and creativity as they have created a safe and inclusive community.

"I felt the time had come for me to join them boldly, to bring that energy and power to bear on the huge challenges facing our whole society."

Urie's partnership follows his creation of the Higher Hopes Foundation, which will support human rights advocacy across marginalised communities.

Urie recently spoke with The Independent in an interview about his band's latest album Pray For The Wicked.

The record just hit No.1 in the US and No.2 in the UK. It sold 180,000 copies in its first week of release, marking the best sales week for an alternative rock album since U2's Songs of Experience was released in December 2017.

Panic! At The Disco are set to headline Reading + Leeds festivals in the UK, 24-26 August.

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